Healthcare organizations are actively recruiting licensed practical nurses to meet the hiring demand. Knowing where to look can be crucial to your facilities recruitment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, analysts expect the demand for licensed practical nurses to increase 22 percent between 2010 and 2020 as our nation’s overall need for healthcare increases—leading to additional employment opportunities in hospitals, physician offices, and other healthcare settings. However, the Wall Street Journal recently reported that an increased focus on costs and patient outcomes appears to be shifting middle skilled positions that do not require a college degree—including licensed practical nurse—out of hospitals and into traditionally lower paying facilities such as nursing homes.

While career opportunities for licensed professional nurses may be changing, it has not decreased demand. According to Wanted Analytics, a business intelligence company, hiring demand has increased 60 percent since January of 2010. Based on recent analysis of online job posts across the U.S., the company reports that general medical and surgical hospitals are still recruiting the majority of these healthcare professionals, with demand increasing 21 percent over last year. Physician offices have seen a 15 percent increase in demand for licensed professional nurses, while the demand at home health care services and nursing care facilities actually decreased year-over-year.

Metro areas with greatest demand for licensed practical nurses

Healthcare facilities across North America are actively recruiting licensed practical nurses, however, some metro areas post more jobs than others. According to Wanted Analytics, the top three cities are:

Atlanta

Minneapolis, and

Houston

Of these, Minneapolis is the only city to experience year-over-year job growth. Demand for licensed practical nurses in the Minneapolis metro area increased 11 percent when compared to the same period last year. Despite this growth, the area still scored quite low on Wanted Analytics’ Hiring Scale, indicating that employers should not experience difficulty when filling available positions.

Metro areas with licensed practical nurses in short supply

On the other hand, these five metro areas scored quite high on Wanted Analytics’ Hiring Scale, indicating that employers and recruiters may find it more challenging to fill job openings.

Casper, Wyo.

Anchorage, Ala.

Sioux Falls, S.D.

Kennewick-Pasco-Richland, Wash.

Fargo, N.D.

If you’re operating in one of these locations, you can broaden your candidate pool by reaching out to licensed practical nurses in neighboring locations and advertising nationally to attract those interested in relocation. Additionally, benefits packages that include tuition reimbursement for courses required for training as a registered nurse may help you land the best prospects.

Whether you need to source licensed practical nurses or other healthcare staff, consider HEALTHeCAREERS Network. Frequented by more than 1.2 million highly qualified healthcare professionals across North America, this niche job board and career resource offers a convenient, affordable means of advertising your job openings.